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1 A student is investigating the reflection of light from a compact disc (CD), as shown in Fig. 1.1.

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screen
light
h

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Fig. 1.1
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The student observes on the screen a pattern of maxima and minima which is similar to that
produced by a diffraction grating. The distance h is measured to one of the maxima.

It is suggested that the relationship between h and the wavelength λ of the incident light is
nλ + B
h=
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d
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where n is the order of the maximum and d and B are constants.

Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between h and λ.

Explain how your results could be used to determine values for d and B.

You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your
account you should pay particular attention to
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• the procedure to be followed,

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• the measurements to be taken,

• the control of variables,

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• the analysis of the data,

• any safety precautions to be taken.

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M.Kaleem
The Lyceum. 9702/52/M/J/18
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Diagram

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Defining the problem :
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Independent variable : Wavelength λ of the incident light is the independent variable.
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Dependent variable : The distance h is the dependent variable.
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Constant factor : Keep the angle of incident light on the CD constant.
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Method of data collection :

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To measure and vary the independent variable m
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Wavelength λ of the light from a laser light source is measured by using a diffraction grating of known
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grating spacing l . The laser light source is held fixed in a clamp such that the incident light is normal
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on the grating. A screen is placed on other side of the diffraction grating. Distance between the screen
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and the grating is D and is measured by a meter rule. The distance between zero order maxima m = 0,
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and the first order maxima m = 1 is measured from the screen from the diffraction pattern formed on
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on the screen. Distance between m = 0 and m = 1 is labelled x1. Then the angle θ which the first order
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maxima makes with the line of m = 0 can be calculated from tan θ = x1/D. The wavelength λ of the light
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can now be calculated as mλ = l sin θ, where m is the order of diffraction and l is the grating spacing.
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Using lasers of different colours we may vary the wavelength λ.
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M.Kaleem
The Lyceum. 9702/52/M/J/18 [Turn over
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To measure the dependent variable.

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For each colour of light with a value of wavelength λ incident on the compact disk, the height h is

m
the ....................................................................................................................................................
measured from the bench to some higher order maxima (say n=3), by a metre rule.
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to some higher order maxima (say n = 3), by a metre rule. We repeat the procedure for different colours
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of light and hence for different values of λ. Keeping the value of n constant for every measurement of h.
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Constant factor : We may use a protractor to align each laser light source at the same angle and then
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tightly clamp the laser light source with a stand so that the angle at which the light is incident on the CD
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remains constant for each λ. Also we may fix the base of the stand with a G-clamp so that the stand
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remains fixed in its position when the laser light sources are replaced.
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Method of analysis : The above measurements can be recorded in a table as shown below.
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(1) We plot a graph of h against λ. On y-axis we plot values of h and on the
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x-axis we plot the values of λ.

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(2) The suggested relationship is valid if a straight line is obtained with a
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y-intercept. Gradient of the straight line is calculated.
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(3) Value of d can be calculated as d = n/gradient, and B = y-intercept.
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Additional design details :
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(1) Distance from the CD to the screen must be kept constant.

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(2) To measure λ of each colour of the laser light using a diffraction, grating we may use different values
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m
of order of diffraction m and the corresponding values of θ for the same colour in the equation mλ = l sin θ.
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An average value of λ can thus be calculated for each colour of the laser light.
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(3) Use intense light source.
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(4) When measuring h, we may measure from the middle of the central maximum to the bottom and
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to the top of the higher order maxima (which we have taken n = 3) for each λ, and then calculate the
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average value of h for each λ.
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(5) Perform experiment in a dark room.
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(6) Clean surface of CD and check that there are no scratches.
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Safety consideration : Avoid looking directly at the intense laser light source. We may wear dark
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glasses or goggles to protect eyes from intense laser light.

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M.Kaleem
The Lyceum. 9702/52/M/J/18